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Last chance to nominate your favourite felines
Cat lovers have until the 28 February to submit their nominations.

National awards to celebrate extraordinary cats.

With less than two weeks until nominations close, Cats Protection is calling on the public to enter their extraordinary cat into this year’s National Cat Awards.

The National Cat Awards is an annual celebration that highlights stories of courage, devotion and companionship, showcasing the unique role felines have in their owners' lives.

Cats Protection’s advocacy & influence Director Jeff Knott said: “We’re looking for truly remarkable cat stories – tales of cats who have changed lives, shown incredible resilience or formed deep, unshakable bonds with their humans. Every year, we’re amazed by the inspiring entries and we can’t wait to hear about the cats who have made a real impact to people’s lives.”

The deadline for nominations is the 28 February. Owners can nominate their cat in one of the folllowing five categories, including a special category to recognise veterinary professionals who go the extra mile to care for cats:

 •    Family Cats: For cats who make a family complete – whether it’s being there for companionship, providing comfort and support in tough times, or simply keeping everyone amused.
 
 •    Incredible Cats: Recognising cats with a remarkable tale – maybe they’ve survived against the odds, returned home after an epic adventure, raised the alarm to an emergency or even saved a life.
 
 •    Senior Cats: Celebrating cats aged 11 or over, who showcase why older cats are special. They may have led an action-packed life, been by their owner’s side through life’s ups and downs or embraced a new lease of life in their golden years.
 
 •    Connected Cats, supported by Sure Petcare: For cats who share the love and bring joy to people far and wide. They might play a big part in their community, have their own social media following or add their own brand of magic to a workplace.
 
 •    Vet of the Year 2025: For vets who have provided outstanding cat care, going out of their way to support cats and their owners.

Cats Protection will select the 2025 Cat of the Year from the four category winners.

Novelist Dawn O’Porter, who is returning as event host for the third year running, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this incredible event once again. I can’t wait to hear all the heartwarming, hilarious and awe-inspiring stories about extraordinary cats and their devoted owners.

“This is the perfect chance to celebrate the amazing ways that our feline friends have changed our lives – so if you know a cat that deserves to be recognised you must enter them for a National Cat Award, it’s the tops for top cats!”

To submit a nomination, visit cats.org.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
More bird housing measures introduced in England

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is to enforce mandatory housing measures in five more regions, as it tackles the spread of avian influenza in kept and wild birds across England.

From 16 February the measures will apply to Cheshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and Worcestershire. The regions join eight other locations which are already following the measures.

Bird keepers in these areas must house their birds, as well as following strict biosecurity measures. Any locations within a Protection Zone outside these areas must also keep birds housed.

An Avian Influenza Protection Zone, mandating enhanced biosecurity measures, remains in place across Great Britain. On 10 February, APHA also banned the gatherings of poultry, galliforme and anseriforme birds in England, Scotland and Wales

All disease control zones can be checked on APHA's interactive map. Further guidance on additional housing measures can be found here.